Why study computer engineering at UoN?

Be creative, get technical and join a profession in high demand in Australia and Internationally. From aircraft control systems to high tech toys, you will be part of a fast-paced industry on the cutting edge of information and communication technology. Find out more

What you will study

Within the four year computer engineering degree, there is an emphasis on giving students a well-rounded mix of hardware and software topics. Find out more

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. Find out more

Become a graduate in demand

The revolutionary changes computer engineering is bringing to our society has led to strong demand for our graduates in this field across Australia and internationally. You may even be one of the many students who is offered employment, a scholarship or trainee cadetschip before you complete your studies. Find out more

Meet our achievers

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

Why study computer engineering at UoN?

Be creative, get technical and join a profession in high demand in Australia and Internationally. From aircraft control systems to high tech toys, you will be part of a fast-paced industry on the cutting edge of information and communication technology.

The Bachelor in Engineering (Computer) will equip you with superior practical skills, and there is opportunity to put computer engineering theory into practice with a 12-week industrial experience placement.

You will acquire the skills to develop both hardware and software for electronic and microprocessor based systems. You will design and develop applications ranging from automobile control systems to entertainment systems such as Playstation or Xbox.

The University of Newcastle has been ranked in the world’s top 120 universities for engineering and technology (QS rankings 2010).

Work across various industries

Areas of focus for computer engineers are electronics design, digital electronics, computer architecture, embedded systems, signal processing and systems software.

These skills can be applied in various industries working on projects such as:

• Communication networks / internet
• Computer design and development
• Defence applications
• Healthcare systems
• Information communication technology infrastructure
• Instrumentation and control

What you will study

Within the four year computer engineering program, there is an emphasis on giving students a well-rounded mix of hardware and software topics. Students are given the opportunity to apply their computer engineering skills in a practical way, with a 12 week industrial experience placement.

First and second year

In the first and second years of the program you will study mathematics, physics, electrical and general engineering courses, together with computer and software engineering courses. These courses give both hands-on experience and a theoretical introduction to computing and digital electronics.

Third year

Third year concentrates on computer engineering courses, as well as allowing you to choose from several electives including communications, analog and digital electronics, automatic control, computer operating systems and software engineering.

Fourth year

In fourth year you choose from a wide variety of advanced courses in many areas, including those already studied. A major part of the fourth year is an individual project – which is an opportunity for you to apply your skills to a realistic computer engineering design problem. These projects are frequently sponsored by industry, which guarantees real engineering relevance. Across all years, you will also study courses related to engineering ethics, management and economics.

Combined degrees

There are a range of combined degree options if you’re interested in a Bachelor of Engineering (Computer).

The following combinations can be completed in five years, when you study full-time:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) / Bachelor of Computer Science 
• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer ) / Bachelor of Mathematics 
• Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) / Bachelor of Science 

Graduating with Honours

With increasing competition in all sectors of employment, students who graduate with Honours have a distinct advantage. It is often considered by employers as an added skill and has been used by previous graduates to pursue higher positions and salaries. You can develop and carry out research on a topic of interest, potentially leading to further academic study such as a PhD.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) uses the WAM as a measure for determining Honours.

There are three levels of Honours.

Honours Class 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 77 and a minimum mark of 75 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 1 - you will require a minimum WAM of 72 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Honours Class II, Division 2 - you will require a minimum WAM of 67 and a minimum mark of 65 in the research courses (at least 30 units).

Performance is based on a three year WAM where 2000, 3000 and 4000 level courses are weighted.

To calculate your WAM download this PDF

To find out more about Honours, contact the Enquiry Centre, 02 4921 5000.

Become a graduate in demand

The revolutionary changes computer engineering is bringing to our society has led to strong demand for our graduates in this field across Australia and internationally. You may even be one of the many students who is offered employment, a scholarship or trainee cadetschip before you complete your studies.

As a computer engineer, you design and utilise digital and computing technologies to solve problems in areas such as information processing, data transfer, communications, commerce and travel. Fields you can pursue a career in include:

• Applications development
• Communication networks/internet development
• Computer design and development
• Defence applications
• Healthcare systems
• ICT infrastructure
• Instrumentation and control
• Research and development
• Systems management

Professional recognition

The University of Newcastle has been ranked in the world's top 100 universities for engineering / technology and computer sciences. (Shanghai Jiao Tong University rankings by field 2007)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) is accredited by the Australian Computer Society and Engineers Australia, and is recognised by international affiliate bodies.

Meet our achievers